Briley v. Rowan Companies

MARCUS, Justice.

Anthony R. Briley was employed by Rowan Companies, Inc. (Rowan) as a welder assigned to a drilling barge. On May 25, 1989 Briley was involved in a work-related accident which he claims caused serious back injuries, resulting in surgery and disability. Briley sued Rowan and others in state court under “the constitutional laws of the United States of America, the Jones Act, the General Maritime Law, the Savings to Suitors Clause and applicable state law.” Plaintiff sought remedies for negligence under the Jones Act and for unseaworthiness under general maritime law. He also…